A cell phone jammer is an electronic device that can temporarily disrupt any cell phone signals that are in a close enough area to the jammer. Cell phone jammers are often used by the military and law enforcement officials to either stop or control cell phone communication during disputes or threatening situations. With cell phone use spreading almost everywhere and more people growing tired of being subjected to other people's personal conversations, some municipalities are considering whether to begin jamming cell phone use in some areas.
How it Works
Cell phones communicate with a service network through cell towers. Cell towers are placed in specific places to provide service to small areas. As a cell phone is moved between these areas, the towers pass off the signals.
A cell phone jammer transmits on the same airwaves that cell phones do. When the jammer is activated, it is able to disrupt the signal between the cell phone and the nearest tower. Because the cell phone jammer and the cell phone use the same frequency, they effectively stop the other signal. Often a cell phone will boost its power at interferences like this so, to keep the signal disrupted, the jammer must be able to stay steady with the cell phone.
How They Are Made
Cell phone jammers are usually simple devices with typically only a switch to turn it on and off, a light to show that it is working and an external antenna to send the signal. If the jammer is more sophisticated, it might include controls to set the jamming for varied frequencies.
Small cell phone jammers are usually powered by batteries. Often, the batteries are even the same as cell phone batteries. Larger cell phone jammers might be electrically powered.
Size
Earlier cell phone jammers were very large and not at all portable. New cell phone jammers are small enough to carry in a pocket the same way people carry cell phones. You can easily hold a cell phone jammer in your hand while using one.
Range
Cell phone jammers typically have a range of between 50 and 80 feet. This means that they will only successfully jam cell phones that are within this range. As soon as the cell phone travels out of range, the signal will return and you can again use the phone. More sophisticated cell phone jammers might have larger ranges.
Uses
Some buildings, businesses, offices and churches are now beginning to utilize strong cell phone jammers that are mounted on a wall or a ceiling. These cell phone jammers are generally housed in small metal boxes and are quite inconspicuous. Cell phone jammers like this can effectively make cell phone use impossible in the building structure.
Legality
Whether it is legal to own and use a cell phone jammer depends on your location and should be considered before attempting to purchase or use a cell phone jammer. It is illegal to sell cell phone jammers in the United States. In the U.K., selling cell phone jammers is legal but civilians cannot legally use them.
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